Ceravolo Applauds Azzurrini in Thrilling 2-2 Final Showdown

Italy and Spain Battle to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Under-19 European Qualifier

March 22, 2025

A Hard-Fought Draw in Catanzaro

Catanzaro, Italy – In a captivating match held at the “Nicola Ceravolo” stadium, Italy’s Under-19 team battled to a 2-2 draw against Spain in the Elite Round of European Championship qualification. The match, witnessed by over 5,000 enthusiastic fans, saw both teams displaying skill and determination in their quest for a crucial victory. The Azzurri, coached by Bollini, showcased a “Gagliarda performance against a strong team,” ultimately securing a valuable point in their quest for European qualification.

Match Highlights

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. Spain struck first in the 17th minute with a goal by Monserrate, capitalizing on a deflection. Italy responded strongly, with Liberali converting a penalty in the 29th minute after a foul inside the box. The second half saw Italy take the lead in the 84th minute through Magni, assisted by a header from liberali. However, Spain quickly retaliated with a penalty of their own in the 89th minute, converted by Cordero, ensuring the match ended in a draw.

Event	Minute	Team	Player	Score
Goal	17′	Spain	Monserrate	0-1
Goal (Penalty)	29′	Italy	Liberali	1-1
Goal	84′	Italy	magni	2-1
Goal (Penalty)	89′	Spain	Cordero	2-2

“A brace of liberali gives a good race to over 5 thousand of Ceravolo who support the boys and try to win a very difficult race.”

This quote encapsulates the energy and passion of the match, highlighting Liberali’s pivotal role and the unwavering support from the home crowd.

Team Lineups and Substitutions

Here’s a look at the starting lineups and key substitutions for both teams:

Italy (4-3-3):

Martinelli; Magni, Lioni, Natali (66′ Pagnucco), Jack; Sala, Rispoli (78′ Venturino); Fini (78′ Agbonifo), Liberali, Fortini (58′ De Pieri); Ekhator. Coach: Bollini

Spain (4-3-3):

Jimenez; Fort (76′ Fortea), Martin, Cuenca, Aguado; garcia, Merino (45′ Junyent), Montserrate (76′ Granados); Muñoz (76′ Diaz), Janneh, Lamb (90+1 Valdependos). Coach: Lana

Key Moments and Turning Points

• Early Pressure: Spain started strong, applying early pressure on the Italian defense.
• Fini’s Near Miss: In the 16th minute, Fini’s shot from outside the box went just over the crossbar.
• martinelli’s Saves: Goalkeeper Martinelli made crucial saves in the 54th and 72nd minutes to keep Italy in the game.
• Liberali’s Missed Opportunity: In the 74th minute, Liberali was denied a goal from close range, a pivotal moment that could have sealed the victory for Italy.
• Late Drama: The final minutes were filled with drama, with both teams pushing for the winning goal. Agbonifo’s shot in the 90+5 minute was deflected for a corner, highlighting Italy’s late surge.

Analysis and Implications

The draw leaves both Italy and Spain with work to do in their quest for European Championship qualification. For Italy,the performance demonstrated their resilience and ability to compete against top-tier opposition. However, defensive lapses and missed opportunities proved costly. Looking ahead, Italy faces France in a crucial match at the same venue next Tuesday. The team will need to tighten their defense and capitalize on scoring chances to secure a victory.

For U.S. readers, this match highlights the similar challenges faced by youth national teams striving for international success.The need for tactical discipline, capitalizing on opportunities, and maintaining composure under pressure are universal themes in youth soccer progress.

Weather Conditions

The match was played under overcast skies and a temperature of approximately 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). The natural grass field provided a good playing surface despite the weather conditions.

Match Officials

The match was officiated by Referee Zorbay Small, with assistants Furkan Product and Nebojša žugic. The fourth official was Antoni Bandic.

Looking Ahead

The 2-2 draw sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the Elite Round. Italy’s upcoming match against France will be a crucial test of their qualification hopes. Fans in Catanzaro and across Italy will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this journey. The lessons learned from this encounter against Spain will undoubtedly shape their planning and performance. The passion and intensity displayed at the “Nicola Ceravolo” stadium underscore the significance of youth international soccer and the dreams of these young athletes.

What tactical adjustments did Coach Bollini make during the Italy vs Spain match, and according to Coach Rossi, how effective were these adjustments?

Archyde Interviews: Tactical Insights on Italy’s Draw with Spain – Exclusive with Coach Roberto Rossi

Archyde news – March 23, 2025

The air in Catanzaro is still buzzing after Italy’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Spain in the Under-19 European Championship qualifying match. To dissect the game’s key moments and analyze Italy’s performance, Archyde News had the privilege of speaking with Roberto Rossi, a seasoned youth football coach and tactical analyst.Coach Rossi provides unparalleled insights into the strategic battles that unfolded on the pitch and what lies ahead for the Azzurrini.

Match Analysis with Coach Roberto Rossi

Archyde: Coach Rossi, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the general assessment of the game. How would you characterize italy’s performance against spain?

Coach Rossi: “Grazie for having me. Italy showed a lot of heart and determination,especially given the quality of the Spanish side.The team, coached by Bollini showed Gagliarda performance. Securing a point against Spain isn’t a given. They showed resilience, especially in coming back from conceding the initial goal. However, there’s room for improvement, particularly in defensive discipline and converting scoring opportunities.”

Archyde: The match was filled with key moments. What, in your opinion, were the decisive turning points?

Coach Rossi: “several moments stand out. Spain’s early pressure put Italy on the back foot. Liberali’s penalty was, of course, crucial for Italy’s comeback. However, the missed chance by Liberali later in the game was a turning point. Scoring would have likely sealed the win. Martinelli’s key saves also kept Italy in the race.”

Archyde: Liberali’s performance was highlighted by the fans, with their excitement. What can you say exactly about that?

Coach Rossi: “Liberali showed a brace that really inspired and elevated the team. Having that kind of player is crucial and inspiring for the whole team.”

Archyde: Italy’s formation was a 4-3-3, with some substitutions. What do you think about the tactical adjustments made?

Coach Rossi: “Bollini’s 4-3-3 gives the team fluidity.The substitutions, for example, Pagnucco’s introduction for Natali, and Venturino for Rispoli, aimed to maintain the intensity and introduce fresh legs. I would have maybe considered more attacking options, but the choices are well understood given the match’s flow.”

Archyde: Looking at the team, what specific areas need the most attention before their crucial next match against France?

Coach Rossi: “Definitely, tightening the defense is paramount, given the defensive lapses we saw. They need to communicate better and prevent gaps that the spanish capitalized on. Also, Italy needs to improve their finishing. Every opportunity to score must be taken given the high stakes. France, with their strength, won’t let up.”

Archyde: The match was played in difficult weather. Did the weather conditions in Italy impact the game?

Coach Rossi: “Yes. Playing at 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit), under overcast skies, could affect player stamina and ball control. Even though the field played well, these are factors to be considered.”

Archyde: what long-term implications does this draw have on Italy’s qualification hopes?

Coach Rossi: “This draw means Italy still has a chance. The team faces France next. If the team can have a strong defense and offensive,this match is key to reaching the next level.. The experience gained against Spain, particularly under pressure, will be invaluable. securing a win against France is crucial.”

Archyde: Coach Rossi, thank you very much for your time and valuable insights.

Coach Rossi: “It was my pleasure.Forza Azzurri!”.

Archyde: What did you think about Italy’s performance? Share your thoughts and predictions for the upcoming France match in the comments below!